Introduction
Indigenous Peoples must be able to share in the benefits of major projects on their lands and on their own terms. Due to the Indian Act and the legacy of colonialism, there are significant challenges in securing capital and leveraging assets. These financial barriers limit Indigenous participation in projects that could generate long term economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples.
The Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC) is a subsidiary of the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), a federal Crown corporation that manages critical financial transactions for the Government of Canada. CILGC is responsible for managing the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, which provides financial solutions to help Indigenous groups participate in Canada’s growing economy. Its role includes engaging with eligible applicants, conducting due diligence, negotiating agreements, and issuing loan guarantees that empower Indigenous groups to take part in economic opportunities.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CILGC acknowledges that, as a federal Crown corporation, it exercises a mandate across Canada, which is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. CILGC operates across our country on unceded Indigenous territories with long and rich traditions. We are committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and encourage our employees and directors, and all Canadians, to play a role in learning, understanding, and respecting their history, culture, and contributions to this land called Canada.
Objectives
The strategic objectives of the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation are to:
Advance Indigenous economic reconciliation and self-determination
Unlock access to affordable capital for Indigenous groups
Facilitate Indigenous partnerships with private sector industry
Deliver better projects guided by Indigenous leadership and knowledge
Build Indigenous business and commercial dealmaking capacity
Team
Established in December 2024, the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC) brings together financial, commercial, and Indigenous sector experts committed to fostering economic reconciliation. Guided by a shared vision of Indigenous economic empowerment, CILGC works collaboratively with Indigenous groups, financial institutions, and key stakeholders to ensure communities across Canada benefit from access to affordable capital and long-term financial growth.
CILGC will be governed by a diverse board of directors and executive team with Indigenous and non-Indigenous representation. Until CILGC is fully staffed, most of the capacity is provided by its parent company, CDEV, and its staff, who have the commercial and financial expertise as well as the proper governance oversight to help carry out the mandate.
Michael Bonshor
Board Chair, MBA
Mr. Bonshor (Gixkandzi) is an experienced leader and member of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation of Kingcome Inlet, BC. He has 20 years of experience working with First Nations, specializing in Indigenous business development and investment. He is currently the President and CEO of Visions Financial Services and the Managing Director of First Nations Business Development Association. Mr. Bonshor is a highly respected business leader with extensive leadership, Board and Chair experience and holds several roles in organizations including British Columbia Institute of Technology (Chair), the National Indigenous Economic Development Board (Director and Chair, Economic Progress Report Committee), and the Dzawada’enuxw Development Corporation (Chair). He holds a CPA, CMA from the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC.
Michael Bonshor has dedicated his career to supporting First Nations in business and strengthening the economic capacity of Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.
As the Board Chair, Mr. Bonshor is committed to fostering a path to prosperity that respects the unique needs and priorities of the Indigenous Peoples and create opportunities that will build prosperity and benefit generations to come.
Pearl Yuzicappi
Director, Development & Stakeholder Relations, MPA, MBA
Ms. Yuzicappi is a highly accomplished administrative leader and advisor, with 30 years’ experience in community development, working in Federal, Provincial, and First Nations government sectors. She has a penchant for developing innovative strategies that deliver results and brings a diverse background that includes leading financial services and supporting Indigenous communities in the advancement of large-scale infrastructure and capital development projects. Ms. Yuzicappi, who joined in April 2025, is of Lakota and Dakota descent and a proud Standing Buffalo First Nation member. She possesses both a Master of Public Administration degree and a Master of Business Administration degree
Chris Sheppard
Senior Associate
Mr. Sheppard joined in January 2025 as Senior Associate. He is an experienced professional with over 8 years in the public sector, including Finance Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and most recently Environment and Climate Change Canada. Mr. Sheppard holds a Master’s of Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences from the University of Toronto. Based in Vancouver, he supports outreach and engagement activities associated with Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation.
Craig Brown
Associate, MPA
Mr. Brown brings over 20 years of leadership experience in First Nations organizations and a track record of success supporting Indigenous community development, economic development and nation building. A recognized expert in his field, he is a sessional on-line instructor within Carleton University’s School of Public Administration, currently teaching their Master’s level course on Community and Economic Development in Indigenous Territories. Based in his home community, Mr. Brown is a member of the Wasauksing First Nation and possesses a BA in Native Studies and an MA in Public Administration.